Beer Forum

I've been using a 6 gallon brew kettle for partial boils.

I'm about ready to get a larger kettle for full boils. I've been considered a 10 gallon kettle from Northern Brewer with a ball valve.

The built in thermometer option is another $44.

Is a thermometer worth $44?

Any other thoughts or recommendations for a 10 gallon brew kettle?

44 bucks is pretty cheap for a built in thermometer. Sounds like a good deal.

Mylo

It's obviously stationary.

Is a stationary thermometer really that helpful or accurate?

Yes, it's worth it. Yes it's helpful.
I don't think that it's totally stationary, I think that it's treaded into a
1/2" weld-less port. Thus you can remove it, you may even be able to
calibrate it. I would probably call and ask that question. If you can
calibrate it then it's worth it.
I am assuming this is the pot you speak of?

Personally, I think a thermometer is not too useful in a boil kettle. Wort boils ar 212f with minor differences based on altitude. Having said that, I have a thermometer in my boil kettle and only find it useful when cooling my wort.

That is the kettle.

The thermometer can be calibrated.

Any other pros, cons or recommendations?

Like Lars said, it isn't all that useful in a boil kettle. It is good for an HLT but in a boil kettle, the temp stays the same. I stick a long stemmed dial thermometer in my boil kettle when I first turn on the heat, but that is just to tell me when to begin not leaving the kettle unattended. I think your $44 is much better spent on something else in the brewery.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company